What is ADHD

What is ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood but can continue into adulthood.

It ranks as one of the leading mental health conditions affecting children.

Core symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms can be classified into two main categories:

1. Inattention

• Difficulty paying attention to details
• Trouble staying focused on tasks or play
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful in daily activities
• Frequently loses things

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Fidgeting or squirming
• Difficulty staying seated
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting others
• Acting without thinking
• Difficulty waiting their turn

ADHD is a long-term condition that can be exhausting and affect many areas of a person’s life, sometimes making it hard to succeed at school or work. Without early support, it can also lead to low self-esteem.

The condition is often first recognized during the school years, typically when it causes disruptions in the classroom or difficulties with academic performance. The condition is more frequently diagnosed in boys than girls, largely due to differences in how symptoms appear.

However, this does not necessarily mean that boys are more likely to have ADHD. Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity and other outward behaviors, while girls often display inattentiveness and less noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

A child/adult may struggle with simple things such as staying seated and taking turns. They might also have trouble maintaining focus or controlling excessive movement and impulsive actions. These behaviors often result in considerable distress and interfere with daily functioning such as impacting home life, academic or occupational performance, and social connections.

Type of ADHD

• Predominantly Inattentive Type
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
• Combined Type (a mix of both)

A diagnosis is determined by the consistent appearance of symptoms that have lasted for an extended period and have been clearly evident within the last few months. Although ADHD can be identified at any stage of life, it originates during early childhood. For an accurate diagnosis, signs must have been present prior to achieving adolescence. For example, difficulties in environments beyond the home, such as classrooms or public spaces

Causes

There’s no single cause, but it’s believed to involve:

• Genetics
• Brain structure/function differences
• Environmental factors (example: exposure to toxins during pregnancy)

ADHD Is Not:

• Just a lack of discipline
• Something a person will grow out of
• The same in everyone (symptoms and severity vary)

Treatment

Treatment for ADHD typically involves a comprehensive approach that combines various strategies to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. One of the primary interventions is behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping individuals develop positive behavior patterns, improve self-control, and learn coping strategies.

This is especially effective for children when parents, teachers, and caregivers are actively involved in reinforcing desired behaviors. Medication is another common and effective treatment which works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to enhance focus and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.

In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in managing ADHD symptoms. This includes maintaining regular sleep schedules, engaging in physical activity, and establishing consistent daily routines, all of which support better attention and emotional regulation.

Finally, many individuals benefit from coaching or support aimed at strengthening executive functioning skills, such as time management, organization, and goal-setting. This type of support can be especially valuable for older children, teens, and adults navigating school, work, or everyday responsibilities. A personalized treatment plan that combines these elements is often the most effective way to manage ADHD over time.

Helpful links:
ADHD test for adults
ADHD test for children